Health

Bachelor of Counselling

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What is a Bachelor of Counselling?

The Bachelor of Counselling gives you the skills and knowledge to begin a fulfilling career in counselling. Gain practical experience through work placements and graduate prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce and to support a diverse range of clients.

This course will develop skills in counselling, as well as conflict management, case management, social justice and report writing. You will also learn how to identify and critically analyse content and how to operate in an allied health professional environment. This degree is designed to enable you to develop specific knowledge and skills, including individual and group counselling and conflict management, to work therapeutically with a range of client groups. Two industry placements provide the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practice skills.

More

Learning outcomes

  • Apply specific counselling modalities and interventions to meet the needs of clients.
  • Explain mental health and the impact of mental ill health on individuals and families.
  • Apply effective counselling interventions with people presenting with alcohol, drug abuse and addiction.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of counselling.
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ACA accredited

This course is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association.

Study mode
On campus, Blended
Campus locations
Sydney, Online
Student
Domestic
Course duration
3 years full time, part-time options available
Start date
3 June 2024
16 Sep 2024
Fees & scholarships

This is an AQF Level 7 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd.

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Ultimate flexibility
With the option to study full or part time and all your course materials online, you can tailor your study to suit your lifestyle.

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40+ years of counselling experience
Our heritage with the Jansen Newman Institute ensures you’re learning from more than 40 years of counselling experience.

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Personal approach
Small class sizes, Success Coaches and personal support from your lecturer mean you’re not just another number at our university.
When you study with us, you’ll get hands-on practical experience in world-class clinics making a difference to real patients.
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Career opportunities

As a graduate you’ll have a wealth of career opportunities available to you as a counsellor in a number of areas.

Potential career paths

  • Counsellor
    Average salary: $84,444 - $115,420
  • Case Manager
    Average salary: $78,610 - $114,408
  • Family and Marriage Counsellor
    Average salary: $83,528 - $101,587
  • Intake Counsellor
    Average salary: $72,000 - $93,000
rebecca-adoni-bachelor-of-applied-social-science-counselling-tua
I found so much wisdom, support and guidance from my lecturers. Studying online can feel isolating but the lecturers never left me feeling alone.
Rebecca Adoni
Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling)

Subjects and units

Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study. Three subjects include a compulsory attendance requirement and two subjects include compulsory attendance at work integrated learning placements.

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3
  • Electives

Requirements

These eight core subjects must be completed.

Core subjects

  • Social and Emotional Wellbeing | HWEL2006
  • Professional Communication and Collaboration | HSC101
  • Case Management and Understanding Community Services | HCCSSD101
  • Person-Centred Practice | HCCSSD102
  • Mental Health | HCCSSD103
  • Lifespan Development | HCCSSD104
  • Theories of Counselling | HCCSSD105
  • Professional Practice and Industry Placement | HCCSSD106

Requirements

These seven core subjects must be completed. Additionally, you're required to select one elective from the electives tab.

Core subjects

  • Evidence-based Practice | EBP107A
  • Advanced Counselling Skills | HCCSSD208
  • Diversity and Inclusion | HCCSSD202
  • First Peoples Cultures, History and Health | FPH201
  • Social Justice | HCCSSD205
  • Mediation and Conflict | COU201
  • Working with Complex Clients | COU202

Requirements

These seven core subjects must be completed. Additionally you're required to select one elective from the electives tab.

Core subjects

  • Understanding Addictions | HCCSSD301
  • Supervision and Industry Placement | HCCSSD311
  • Empowerment and Advocacy | HCCSSD309
  • Grief, Loss and Death | HCCSSD310
  • Critical Literature Review | CLR308A
  • Trauma Informed Practice | COU311
  • Entrepreneurship, Professionalism and Business Skills in Health | EPR307

Requirements

Choose one elective subject for year two and one elective for year three from the subjects below.

Year 2 - one 200 level

Year 3 - one 300 level

Elective subjects

  • Positive Ageing | POA104
  • Chronic Illness and Disability | HCCSSD206
  • Health Promotion | HPR200A
  • Environmental Change and Resilience | HCCSSD207
  • Healthcare in the Digital World | HDW204
  • Child Protection | HCCSSD308

Study pathways

Torrens University offers undergraduate and postgraduate students with flexible entry options and study pathways. Whether you prefer a full program or a modular approach, we can tailor your studies to your needs. Start your journey with an undergraduate diploma or bachelor degree, or grow your career with a postgraduate qualification.

Need more help?

Let us customise a study plan and pathway for you.

Postgraduate

  • Graduate Certificate courses ( 2 options )
    • Graduate Certificate of Counselling

      Domestic students only

      View course

      Complete just four subjects to expand your knowledge in a specific area, or take the first step towards your Masters.

    • Graduate Certificate of Public Health

      CRICOS 097405K

      View course

      Complete just four subjects to expand your knowledge in a specific area, or take the first step towards your Masters.

  • Graduate Diploma courses ( 2 options )
    • Graduate Diploma of Counselling

      Domestic students only

      View course

      Complete four more subjects to expand or deepen your knowledge in a specific area.

    • Graduate Diploma of Public Health

      CRICOS 097406J

      View course

      Complete four more subjects to expand or deepen your knowledge in a specific area.

  • Master courses ( 2 options )
    • Master of Counselling

      Domestic students only

      View course

      Become a specialist in your field, or take the first step towards your Doctorate degree.

    • Master of Counselling Advanced

      Domestic students only

      View course

      Become a specialist in your field, or take the first step towards your Doctorate degree.

Industry partners and work placements

Work-Integrated Learning and Practicum Experiences are embedded throughout the course and are incorporated into theory subjects. Work placements and Work-Integrated Learning programs provide a valuable resource for you to develop hands-on practical experience to ensure you graduate confident and job-ready.

Work placement hours

As part of your course, you’ll have the chance to undertake 400 hours of work placement across two approved external organisations including 40hrs of individual face‐to face counselling with clients. These placements occur within two subjects. If you are completing your course online you will be required to complete at least 120 hours of experiential practical skills training at our Surry Hills campus Practical Intensive Workshops that are spread over three subjects.

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Entry details

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

If you are truly passionate about health, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of health scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the health industry:

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent

Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above

OR

Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification

The below is an alternative option.
Work and life experience that demonstrates skills and knowledge gained through paid or unpaid employment, formal learning and/or non-formal learning (presented on a current resume with attached cover letter).

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

How to apply

Frequently asked questions

  • What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?
  • What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?
  • Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
  • Can I get course credit for previous experience?
  • What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?
  • How do I apply for a scholarship?

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Want to find out more?

Don't forget to download the course guide or get in touch with us below.

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